Parent Empowerment University in Newtown

Sybil Blau

Published
12:39 pm EDT, Monday, March 19, 2012

Bonnie Harris will share some of the lessons detailed in her book, and much more, when she speaks Saturday, March 24, at The Newtown Parent Connection's annual Parent University at Newtown Middle School.

Bonnie Harris will share some of the lessons detailed in her book, and much more, when she speaks Saturday, March 24, at The Newtown Parent Connection's annual Parent University at Newtown Middle School.

Photo: Contributed Photo

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Bonnie Harris will share some of the lessons detailed in her book, and much more, when she speaks Saturday, March 24, at The Newtown Parent Connection's annual Parent University at Newtown Middle School.

Bonnie Harris will share some of the lessons detailed in her book, and much more, when she speaks Saturday, March 24, at The Newtown Parent Connection's annual Parent University at Newtown Middle School.

Photo: Contributed Photo

Parent Empowerment University in Newtown

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Parenting. It's a gift and job that comes without directions.

But, over time, with instincts in play, you learn to work without a net, to be flexible and creative. Along the way you come to understand that each child is unique, what works for one may not work for another, and, despite your best efforts, you need some advice.

Fortunately, when things get tough, hair-pulling isn't necessary. There's help out there -- and some of it is a bargain.

In Newtown, on March 24, Newtown Parent Connection, Brookfield Substance Abuse Coalition and S.M.A.R.T. (Southbury and Middlebury Acting Responsibly Together) are sponsoring a Parent Empowerment University, PEU. The event, from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen St., includes a guest speaker, 10 different "classes" for parents who need some training, want to improve their skills or unlearn some poor parenting habits, and a bonus, "Kids University."

Admission is $5 per adult; children ages 3 to 11 are free.

According to event publicist Roseanne Loring, the program is a must-attend.

More Information

Programs on tap
When kids push your buttons
Confident parents, remarkable kids
The changing face of the 21st-century family
Identifying addiction issues in teens and young adults
What happened to my kid … and my sanity?
Wellness is an excellent choice!
Helping your worried child worry less
The road to college…It's a bumpier ride than you may think
I think my child might need help …
and I know I do!
Kids' rights -- safety first!
How to handle bullying
In a nutshell
Parent Empowerment University: presented by Newtown Parent Connection, Brookfield Substance Abuse Coalition and S.M.A.R.T. (Southbury and Middlebury Acting Responsibly Together)
Saturday, March 24
Newtown Middle School, 10 Queen St.
8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Adults, $5; children age 3 to 11, free
Register online, www.NewtownParentConnection.org

"There's free child care with activities such as face painting and musical entertainment, free continental breakfast and lunch, and the imparting of wisdom from professionals," she said. "It's open to everyone. Not only have we had parents and families from area towns, but from towns around the state. You get a lot for a little."

Parents attending PEU can converse with various experts and will walk away with significant skills, contact information and literature, enabling them to parent with more confidence and success, said S.M.A.R.T. treasurer Cathy McCrory.

The topics the experts will discuss include bullying, the benefits of a healthy diet, the 21st-century family and helping your worried child worry less.

Perhaps the most important of these discussions will focus on teen and young adult drug addiction and the problems that can occur when kids are confronted with that world.

"The most important element in limiting risky behavior, i.e. drug use, is parents' involvement in their kids' lives. This is why the parent university is such a critical event that it's being endorsed by four separate communities," said Brookfield Police Chief and PEU committee member Robin Montgomery.

From a parent's point of view, the program is a winner.

Newtowner Andrea Brosnan, the mom of a son and daughter, has attended PEU since its inception five years ago.

She finds the program "wonderful because they offer so many classes on different topics. It's all about educating parents, particularly about the dangers of drugs. It teaches parents to be aware of them, whether or not there is a problem."

And, she added, "not only can you learn how to be a better parent, but they offer free babysitting so you can just sit and learn. It's a great use of a Saturday morning's time."

This year, the special guest speaker is Bonnie Harris, director of New Hampshire-based Connective Parenting and author of "When Kids Push Your Buttons."

During a telephone interview, Harris was asked what she thinks is the biggest mistake parents make.

"When you try to get children to do what they're told and they don't do it ... The mistake we make is overreacting by using the message we've been raised with and using the discipline techniques that accompany that message. We come at it with old messages of parenting based on reward and punishment.

"We're beginning to understand that it doesn't work and creates a massive society of wounded people ... We have to learn a respectful way of communicating with our children."

As a follow-up to PEU, McCrory made a point of noting, "We've provided the Danbury, Newtown, Southbury and Middlebury public libraries with Bonnie Harris' book in order to support parents' efforts before and after PEU.

"We're passionate about PEU and it's our hope parents take advantage of this invaluable experience!"